Tennessee Mare

Tennessee Mare — Americana Delft Icon Tile

A quiet presence with a story behind it.

Our Tennessee Mare icon tile features a horse standing in tall grass, painted in soft cobalt watercolor-like brushstrokes on an ivory ceramic tile. The scene feels still at first glance, but it carries the spirit of a story long told across the American South.

Inspired by the classic ballad Tennessee Stud, the mare calls back to the moment in the song when the wandering horse finally meets his match, a Tennessee mare who changes the course of the journey. It’s a story of distance traveled, wild landscapes crossed, and the pull of something that feels like home.

Across Tennessee and beyond, horses have long been part of both the land and its lore, appearing in songs, stories, and everyday life. The Tennessee Mare reflects that connection, where the landscape isn’t just seen, it’s remembered and retold.

Part of our Americana Delft collection, this tile reimagines the historic Delft tradition of illustrating daily life through small painted scenes. Where traditional Delft tiles once captured pastoral life, Tennessee Mare holds a piece of American storytelling, rooted in music, movement, and memory.

Designers often scatter icon tiles like this throughout a backsplash or feature wall to create a collected, storytelling installation. Paired with our matching Americana Delft plain field tile, Tennessee Mare adds a soulful, story-rich moment within a field of ivory tile.

Handmade Variation

Every Americana Delft tile is individually painted by hand in our Nashville studio. Because each icon is created with a brush and cobalt watercolor-like strokes, natural variations are part of the character of the collection. Brushwork may appear slightly lighter or deeper in tone, and small differences in linework or detailing may occur from tile to tile. These subtle variations reflect the hand of the artist and ensure that every installation has the warmth and authenticity of true hand-painted tile.

Every Americana Delft tile is painted to order, continuing a centuries-old craft tradition while telling a uniquely American story. Custom icon requests are always welcome.